A New Event Center at Herb’s

October 2018

There have been some major changes at Herb’s Restaurant & Lounge & Event Center (515 Rogue River Highway) recently. Owner Christine Parker has closed “The Vault” portion of the building and turned it into an event center.

“It has been totally renovated and is available for all occasions, from holiday parties and class reunions to wedding receptions and any other special events,” Christine said. “The Event Center will offer full, catered meals, complete with a full bar and a sound system.”

Opening in 1972, Herb’s is one of the longest running, independent restaurants in the state of Oregon. Christine herself has been there since 1974.

“I worked in the service industry for many years, starting at age 15 in my hometown,” she said. “I moved to Grants Pass from Coquille and went to work graveyard for Herb and Margaret Richardson as a server at Larry’s LaCasita. I was working part-time at Herb’s and full-time at a plywood mill.”

By 1983 the name of the restaurant had changed to Herb’s LaCasita. Christine became bar manager in 1985, and then general manager in 1987.

“Herb taught me the restaurant and bar business over an 18-year period and told me I should buy it in 1992, which I did,” Christine said. “I have done every job in this business, and both of my daughters and four of my grandsons work in the family business. I raised my daughters as a single mom here at Herb’s. In 1997 I married Tom Parker, owner of Parker’s Furniture.”

Herb’s is a full-service restaurant with American and Mexican menus. There is a large selection on the menu, everything from cornflakes in the morning to Prime Rib & Lobster at night.

“Everything is made fresh in house,” Christine said. “We use only quality meats and ingredients. We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6am to 9pm Sunday-Thursday, and we’re open 24 hours on Friday and Saturday.”While the Vault may be closed, the front bar, “Shenanigans,” is open and ready to continue in its great tradition. Karaoke is offered Sunday through Thursday 8pm to 1am and also on Thursday from 3pm to 7pm. There is live music in “Shenanigans” on Friday and Saturday nights from 9pm to 1am.

For more info or to reserve the Event Center, call 541-476-1668 or 541-476-1313. You can also like them on Facebook.